Former Phillies All-Star closer Al Holland died at 73 years old on Saturday.
“The Phillies are saddened to learn of the passing of Al Holland, who spent parts of three seasons with the club from 1983-85,” the team said in a social media post.
“The club and fans are forever grateful for his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind in Philadelphia. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Al’s family, friends, and former teammates at this difficult time.”
No cause of death was announced but he was surrounded by loved ones in South Carolina when he passed away on July 4.
Holland played for the Phillies for parts of three seasons from 1983-85, including the pennant-winning team in 1983.
He broke out that year, recording 25 saves for the club.
The southpaw saved Games 1 and 4 of the NLCS against the Dodgers, whom Philadelphia defeated in four games.
Holland then earned the save in Game 1 of the World Series against the Orioles, which the Phillies would lose in five games.
Holland’s dominance in 1983 earned him NL Relief Man of the Year honors, as well as top-ten finishes in Cy Young and NL MVP voting.
Holland also spent time with the Pirates, Giants, Angels, and Yankees, coming in seventh in Rookie of the Year voting with San Francisco in 1980. Upon his retirement in 1987, Holland had a career 34-30 record with a 2.98 ERA and 78 saves in 384 games.
Holland was inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.
In his freshman season at North Carolina A&T, he led the nation with 143 strikeouts and had a 0.54 ERA, good for second in the nation. He recorded no-hitters in each of his four seasons as an Aggie, including his 25-strikeout performance against North Carolina Central during his freshman season.
He’s also a member of the North Carolina A&T Sports and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Halls of Fame.
His son, Al Holland Jr., confirmed his death to North Carolina A&T.
“Al Holland was a big-league star, both on and off the field,” North Carolina A&T chancellor James R. Martin II said. “He and his trademark phrase, ‘Give me the ball,’ personified the Aggie spirit of toughness, competitiveness and excellence that defines our university. He was one of a kind, and we will sorely miss him at North Carolina A&T.”
Hailing from Roanoke, Va., Holland also dominated in football and basketball during his high school years.
Holland is survived by his wife Mary and their three children.
